FBI Collaborates with Mexico in Search for Missing Nancy Guthrie

The FBI has engaged with Mexican authorities in the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since February 1, 2024. Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared under mysterious circumstances, prompting a multi-agency investigation led by the Pima County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona. Recent developments include alleged ransom notes indicating that the 84-year-old may be held “south of the border.”

Two ransom notes, reportedly sent to TMZ, suggest that more than one person may be involved in Guthrie’s disappearance. One message included a claim: “I know what I saw 5 days ago south of the border and I was told to shut up so I know who he is and that was definitely Nancy with them.” Another note ominously warned, “be prepared to go International.”

While the FBI and local law enforcement have not confirmed a search operation in Mexico, a person of interest from Rio Rico, identified as Carlos Palazuelos, was detained on February 10. Palazuelos, a delivery driver from Tucson, stated he was innocent and claimed he was held against his will during the traffic stop that led to his detention. He has since been released without charges.

A breakthrough appeared elusive as investigators announced that DNA evidence collected from a glove found approximately two miles from Guthrie’s home yielded no matches in the FBI’s database. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office confirmed, “DNA evidence from gloves found approximately 2 miles from Nancy Guthrie’s residence was submitted to CODIS & produced no matches. There is additional DNA evidence that was found at the residence that is also being analyzed.”

In a bid to locate Guthrie, investigators are utilizing advanced technology to detect signals from her pacemaker. Authorities have deployed helicopters equipped with high-tech Bluetooth signal detectors in hopes of re-establishing a connection that was lost at 02:28 on the night of her disappearance. Jody Weis, a retired FBI agent and former Chicago police superintendent, noted, “It’s not a magic bullet, but it’s one more thing to try and find this poor woman.”

Surveillance footage from the evening of her abduction has revealed an armed, masked suspect at Guthrie’s front door. The FBI describes the suspect as a male, approximately 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10, with an average build.

To encourage public assistance, the FBI Phoenix office has increased its reward from $50,000 to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s whereabouts and the arrest and conviction of those involved in her case.

As the search intensifies, authorities urge anyone with information to come forward. The investigation continues to draw national attention, highlighting the urgent need for answers in this troubling case.